Secret Service closes ranks in sordid scandal

AP

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, April 25, 2012, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the Secret Service prostitution scandal that embarrassed the White House and overshadowed the president's visit to a Latin American summit. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

May 1, 2012 6:14:12 AM PDT

By ALICIA A. CALDWELL | Associated Press

WASHINGTON - May 1, 2012 --

After two weeks of disturbing revelations about a tawdry prostitution scandal, the Secret Service and its supporters are circling the wagons to restore the "secret" part of its mission.